NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2014 — (PRNewswire) — Design-driven audio accessory brand me.u today announced the winner of its earphone design contest with Pratt Institute, a global leader in higher education. Ten Pratt students – five in its Fashion program and five in its Industrial Design program -- participated in the "sponsored studio" that challenged them to develop designs for the next generation of me.u's high-quality earphones. The winning design was created by 21-year-old Tiverton, RI native Chantal Galipeau, a senior Fashion major.

"It was a difficult decision for us, as the Pratt students presented so many exciting designs," said Johan Persson, Creative Director, C'Monde Studios, an award-winning Swedish industrial design studio based in Hong Kong that is the creative force behind the me.u brand. "But Chantal's design stood out for its boldness and innovation. It fits well with our brand's style aesthetic, and we feel it will speak to today's young creatives."

"I draw a lot of my inspiration from the vibrancy of New York City," Galipeau explained. "I live in Brooklyn and am surrounded by rich colors and textures every time I walk down the street. So I tried to embody that energy in my design."

As part of the contest, Pratt students were tasked with choosing materials and selecting color palettes and finishes for their new earphone design. Galipeau opted for a slick teal color scheme, inspired by Adelphi St. in Brooklyn and made from brushed aluminum with a silver plastic finish.

The student designs had to fit the aesthetics of me.u's original product line, which was introduced earlier this year. The company's earphones embrace a colorful and bold street style that appeals to its target market of students and young creatives. Pratt faculty members provided guidance to the students, as did designers from C'Monde Studios.

"We were proud of the work each of our students accomplished," said Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, the adjunct associate professor of Industrial Design and Fashion who supervised the project for Pratt. "They approached the challenge like professionals and delivered creative concepts that made it tough to pick a winner."

Galipeau's design is currently in production and will be commercially available in Q1 2015. Like me.u's current earphone line, the new design will be available in college bookstores throughout the country. The me.u line is distributed by HPI International, Inc., a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based, value-added wholesale distributor of technology, hardware, and technology accessories.

Galipeau is currently interning at Alder New York, a Brooklyn-based lifestyle brand founded by Pratt alumni and instructors David J. Krause and Nina Zilka. When she graduates in 2015, Gallipeau hopes to work in the New York fashion design industry with leading designers. She aspires to run her own small business in Brooklyn.

About Pratt Institute:
Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a global leader in higher education dedicated to preparing its 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in art, design, architecture, information and library science, and liberal arts and sciences. Located in a cultural hub with historic campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Pratt is a living lab of craft and creativity with an esteemed faculty of accomplished professionals and scholars who challenge their talented students to transform their passion into meaningful expression.

About C'Monde Studios
C'Monde Studios is a Swedish award-winning industrial design studio based in Hong Kong, specializing in industrial design, design concepts, branding, and visual identities. The company, which is frequently names as one of the top design studios in the region and is known for its iconic designs and advanced manufacturing skills, is famous for creating designs that take their shape where business, technology, and culture intersect. For further information, visit
www.cmonde.com.

About HPI International, Inc.
HPI is a value-added re-seller of technology, hardware, and tech accessories, catering to the U.S. college bookstore market. The company offers exclusive high-end, popular products from manufacturers who are recognized for product lines that create buzz, giving today's college bookstore a strong competitive edge over traditional big box retailers. For further information, visit
www.hpi.com.